Wiring BMW E46 speedometer cluster for gaming simulator: Arduino Mega & CAN Bus Shield- Setup guide

Рет қаралды 23,859

3 жыл бұрын

First and foremost I would really recommend this cluster build only if you have some basic level of soldering skills and understanding of electronics since the k-bus circuit needs to be soldered and built. This tutorial has been made as the previous video wasn't deep enough and there has been lot of request from viewers to make a more in depth one. Hope this helps :)
Known working cluster model part nos# 0263606305, 0263606221 & 0263606286
I will be soon posting video of a BMW E90 cluster soon which is much easier to built with just only 4 wires and really easy even for a noob to setup. So, stay subscribed to get latest updates & thank you to all you guys who have subscribed!
Link to Marcel's (Neuro Projekte's) website:
neuros-projekte.de/simulator/...
BMW E46 cluster pinout:
www.bmwgm5.com/E46_IKE_Connec...
Modified Arduino code (Front & Rear Fog Lamps working in this):
drive.google.com/file/d/1naXO...
For anyone facing compilation errors, it's due to libraries:
Unzip & extract the "libraries" folder in below link to your "Documents" folder. Relaunch Arduino IDE and now it should compile without any errors.
drive.google.com/file/d/1opAG...
Discord Channel: / discord

Пікірлер: 107

@guy5828 2 жыл бұрын

So glad i found this i just bought a e46 speedo!

@NicoMugnolo 2 жыл бұрын

My brother, until you did, I love you, the truth is that my project was a bit stuck due to personal issues and work, but your video will save my life. Thank you for the great contribution to the community. I send you a hug from Argentina (by the way I got all the parts to assemble it) ( could you make a video of how to solder the circuit board is that I am very bad with that honestly )

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you & glad you liked the video! :) Hopefully your unit also gets fully functional soon. Umm, a perf board soldering isn't something I can just show to a beginner and you will understand. My suggestion is either watch some nice videos that teach soldering and how to assemble a simple circuit on a board. This will definitely need some practice. You might want to first learn on a breadboard before moving to perf board soldering .Since the electronic traces have to be build manually unlike a printed circuit board, you can become confused easily if you straight go for soldering with trying it on a breadboard. Or take help from some one who can do it for you like a friend or even an electronics repair shop for a price.

@Chirps4th Жыл бұрын

Excellent video! I run an E36 dash on my sim.

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks! The E36 & 46 clusters are my all time favorites along with the Panamera 970.

@Betty19ch 5 ай бұрын

You solve my big problem! (VW Polo 6R)

@Chirps4th Жыл бұрын

I also have a Holden VX Commadore dash working which operates basically the same as E36 using Simhub and Arduino Uno, just need to make a few adjustments to max Spd & Rpm to suit then trim revs also use jumper to bypass service reminder if need be.

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

That's a nice looking cluster

@Drxxx 3 жыл бұрын

Good video

@randomscience4k 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

@danc2014 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like you can use an old Toyota or Honda Audi Speedo too. But the newer digital displays will be harder.

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

The newer clusters with analog gauges fully CAN have only 4-6 wires and are easy to setup for someone who knows about coding and electronics like example BMW E90. Yes, you are right with the digital. It’s difficult but doable I guess. But would require a lot of work I assume.

@VisionOfMind 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for adding further explanation. I am probably going to do this build with a student. Is your fuel tank empty in the game or you haven't yet made the fuel gauge to work. Cheers from Bulgaria.

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

If you look at the original circuit diagram and setup, the fuel gauge stepper motor has been replaced with a servo motor. Which is then connected to the arduino. In my case I didn’t modify my gauge as I intend to sell it off later. The original gauge setup in the cluster works depending on the change in resistance value when the float operated in the tank. The resistance values can be found at the bottom of the below page: www.bmwgm5.com/E46_IKE_Connections.htm Hope this helps.

@VisionOfMind 2 жыл бұрын

Really apreciate your answer ! We will try to build this in the upcoming month.

@VisionOfMind Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k Are you willing to give me a hand with something ? We managed to get the speedo to work - but that's all. I the other E46 video I saw an ignition key and I feel like this is the thing that we are missing in order to make the cluster work.

@VisionOfMind Жыл бұрын

Nevermind the ignition - found it in the comments - it is connected - pin 4,5,6 on black connector. Came to the conclusion that it is actually the libraries which cause problem because communication works.

@benka6176 Жыл бұрын

Hello I have the problem when I want to upload s mcp_can.h:112:11: note: candidate expects 3 arguments, 1 provided exit status 1 no matching function for call to 'MCP_CAN::begin(int) and this error mcp_can.h:112:11: note: candidate: byte MCP_CAN::begin(byte, byte, byte) INT8U begin(INT8U idmodeset, INT8U speedset, INT8U clockset); // Initialize controller parameters what can i do

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

You need the correct can bus library

@benka6176 Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k i ordered the can bus on amazon can you tell me which one i have to use

@SwagusSE 8 ай бұрын

Do you think this would be possible to get running in a more sinple way using an Arduino UNO or is the extras of the Mega a need?

@randomscience4k 7 ай бұрын

You need a mega itself I think..get a clome so it's cheaper

@ioritzondarra5148 3 ай бұрын

Hey there. What kind of signal does the E46 speedo use? I want to generate the signal using arduino. Im actually on m54 swapped E36 project, so I want to use the original E36 signal to run my E46 dashboard's speedo. Thanks!

@randomscience4k 3 ай бұрын

Hi, the speedometer on the E46 is just like the E36, it’s PWM signal driven. Don’t know if it will work directly with that E36, but you can always try.

@ioritzondarra5148 3 ай бұрын

Many thanks buddy😊😊. I will it later this afternoon. Regards!!

@istvanilosvai2962 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a 12v supply on the arduino? I want to do an audi a4 cluster that i got for free but it needs 12v 1amp even to light up

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I don’t fully understand which cluster you intend to use since this video is about an E46. But anyway the arduino has only a 5V out put and that too with very limited current range. I would suggest you can get a 12V 2Amp adapter or a small 12V PSU too. They aren’t that expensive. Or the cheapest way is to look around for a computer ATX PSU from an old computer.

@Kevin-es2bz 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this helpful video, i made it to the point where i can control the cluster via SimHub. However the cluster only displays RPM and Temp for 4 to 5 seconds before returning the RPM back to 0 and Temp to maximum. When i try to set the baud rate of the arduino to 230400, the arduino contantly loses connection to SimHub. When i set the baudrate higher or lower the connection to the arduino is good but the RPM and TEMP only work for 4 to 5 seconds. Can you maybe help me?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. I too found this issue and couldn’t exactly pinpoint what is causing the issue. A workaround I found was by opening one of the preloaded cluster dashboards in SimHub and allow it run in the background. At time from 22:20 to 22:40 I've explained about this.

@pokefan710 2 жыл бұрын

did you ever figure out the switching off issue, kevin?

@mr.hankie 2 жыл бұрын

great video. i followed everything and got most of it working. speedo works but the tach only works when the game is paused. any ideas as to why. i have another gauge cluster open when trying to make it work

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad the video helped you to get your unit running :) I too faced the same issue with RPM. The only fix I could do to get it to work was to open a dash and keep it running in the background to get RPM to work fine. I’ve explained this at time stamp 22:19.

@mr.hankie 2 жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k thats what I meant when I said I have another gauge cluster open. Nothing has worked for me still.

@shreksmemelab Жыл бұрын

@@mr.hankie same problem with my cluster too!

@NicoMugnolo Ай бұрын

I have all the pieces but the only thing that has me stuck although I think it's a joke is the circuit of transistors and resistors that you have to assemble 7:10 I tried to assemble it once following the photos in your video but I couldn't and I can't read the diagram I don't know what's wrong with me.

@randomscience4k Ай бұрын

It’s something unfortunately you need to figure out..Btw the OG code has undergone some updates. Check the pinned comment please.

@vampyryannik7334 2 жыл бұрын

Okay this video really helps alot! I bought a cluster from a e46 Diesel and wanted to just mess around with the can bus (since I made my gaming setup out of a complete dash from a different car) but for some reason the data doesn't reach the cluster. Does there need to be a 120 Ohms resistoe between Can H and Can L? The cluster powers up fine but no can communication works and the temp gauge always goes to maximum

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear the video is helpful. You do not need to add any resistors. Which shield are you using? Generic or something from Seeed/spark fun etc?

@vampyryannik7334 2 жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k I am using a Keyestudio Can Bus shield (some cheap shield that works with any cluster but that one). Idk maybe I set the bitrate wrong tho. Currently have it set at 500 KBPS and using addresses from the internet but there's no response from the cluster. Or do I actually need the K-Bus to get that to work at all?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

@@vampyryannik7334 Sorry for late reply. The K-bus is only for certain lamps. Try to use the default send code in can bus library and see if the Arduino initializes on the serial monitor. I see from aliexpress pictures that the board does not have a 120 ohm resistor by default. wiki.keyestudio.com/KS0411_keyestudio_CAN-BUS_Shield#Terminal_resistor I had initially ordered a simple Chinese one off eBay and for me it worked fine, but mainly the issues I faced was something else.

@vampyryannik7334 2 жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k it's totally fine! I actually found the issue lmao and now it works fine. I aswell managed to get every warning light off, except the parking brake which does not dissapear when I hook it up to Ground or 12v.

@gullysl Жыл бұрын

@@vampyryannik7334 what was the issue? my temp is stuck at max and my tachometer does not work.

@BlackCat-qm3sj 2 жыл бұрын

Hey I have a 1999 Ford ranger speedometer it doesn't have pins on the back just different hmm 🤔 he had pins to connect the wires Anyway to still make it work?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Can you maybe send a link to what the pin out of your cluster looks like? Maybe this might help: www.ranger-forums.com/8-cylinder-tech-34/v6-v8-tach-ground-wire-107127/

@KasualChris-gaming-channel Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy. Great video except for one thing. I followed every step, bought everything part for part for part. Followed all steps on simhub but unfortunately nothing. Yet when I use the original code from the German site it works straight away. Any advice to get your code to work would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Hi, sorry for the late reply. The code on my google drive link is 99% same as the original German one except for the fog lamp indicator active. That's the only difference.

@ensarbmw9680 2 жыл бұрын

Can it be connected to e34 cluster? I have now e36 cluster it works perfect with simhub, but I like more e34 cluster and eant to make dashboard of e34 integrated with cluster

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

The E34 is same like the E36, older non-CAN bus type model. I think all you need is the +12V, Ground, Speedo, RPM , Fuel & temp gauge pins. I don't know which model your cluster was removed from. You can find the manuals for older bimmers up to E36 on below website: wedophones.com/Manuals/BMW/

@ensarbmw9680 2 жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k But its same!? Thank u very much bro im buying now e34 cluster and going to fit with e34 dashboard 😊 how can I find out if its older type? I know there is with black and blue back cover

@ensarbmw9680 2 жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k Dude Can u please help me I bought now e34 speedo but dont know how to make it work.. can find tacho diagram for it.. I have connected to the same pins where it was on e36 cluster but nothing work ony EMS bulb, back cover is white its from 525 12v (m20b25(

@Tech_Champ 2 жыл бұрын

Will the E46 code work with an E36 cluster?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry, the E36 code is little different and much more simpler. The E46 is semi CAN based

@jokkemc-rw8jy Жыл бұрын

hey i am wondering when you dop the e39 low version cluster with arduino uno or do you have some wiring diagram and arduino sketch for me

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

The pinout is same as an E38 cluster I believe. www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2211892-2000-740i-Cluster-Help As you can see from below webpage that for the E46 the pinouts are a bit different: www.bmwgm5.com/E46_IKE_Connections.htm I’m not sure if the E46 code would work for the E39. You can give it a try. But I’ve a feeling the can bus codes might be a little different. If you can find the can bus codes for the e39, you can compare it in the arduino code for the e46 if it’s the same. If not you can change it and see if it works.

@jokkemc-rw8jy Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k e39 low version have 26 pin on both connectors i know can high and low and the speed sensor pin but that code have made to arduino mega i have arduino uno so what i need to change so its compatible to arduino uno

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

@@jokkemc-rw8jy I think I did try to run it on a Uno. It's been a while so I can't remember if it worked. But basically you just need to change the platform.ini file details for an Arduino mega to a Uno. Once saves you can flash the code again to a Uno and it should work.

@Albertt.c 2 жыл бұрын

Which pin from relay goes to cluster? like which one goes to arduino and which one goes to cluster?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Only my relay channel set: the ones labeled IN1, IN2…etc is the data input from arduino to enable/disable the relay. Vcc& GND are +5V DC and ground(-) of your 5V supply. The ones labeled as K1, K2…etc are for the relay outputs. With 3 terminals: Normally Open (NO), Common (COM) and Normally Closed (NC). Hope this clarifies your question.

@ChazeFocus 2 жыл бұрын

What is the pin out for rpm signal?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

There is no separate rpm pins. It is driven by the can bus. www.bmwgm5.com/E46_IKE_Connections.htm

@mariorzn9612 2 жыл бұрын

i am a noob in wiring, can you tell me the most simple way to make a e46 cluster to work? i only need rpm and speed gauge to work

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

I think you can definitely manage the speedometer. Well all it required is a simple npn transistor and 1000ohm resistor. But you can also connect a pin from arduino 46 straight to pin 19 on black connector on cluster. It kinda works. The rpm works on can bus. Try connecting pins 9&10 for can high and low to can bus shield can high and low. Also connect one of the arduino’s GND pin to power supply’s ground. That might work I guess for the rpm.

@Razz_30 Жыл бұрын

Hello, I am building a simracing with an e46 dashboard (I have photos and I will upload the process to KZfaq). and I want to make the cluster work, do you have photos or something more detailed on how to assemble the arduino, the resistor board, transistors, etc? Or if you would pay yourself? Thanks a lot! It's super cool what you've done :)

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I didn’t show anything related to Arduino is because the details are on Neuro Projekte website linked in description. It’s in German so you need to use Google translate if you wish to read. But the code, ncalc and wiring diagram are in English. BTW this project will require some good knowledge of electronics and soldering skills. The circuit itself is easy if you are good in both these. Even if I soldered it wouldn’t be economical to ship it off from Saudi Arabia where I’m currently working now. Shipping costs from here to other countries are very high.

@Razz_30 Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k Ahhh okay, I thought you lived in Europe, I'm a mechanic but not an electronicsman, I know electricity in vehicles but not at this level... welding is not the problem, I have visited your page but nothing is clear to me... I sent you several emails but I still don't have an answer from you :(( In the end I am forced to put an e36 cluster that is easier and there is more help on the internet :(

@georgimilev6786 9 ай бұрын

Helpful video, i did everything but turn signals and other lamps are not working.I pasted custom protocol in simhub and did everything like un the video.

@georgimilev6786 9 ай бұрын

I also tested the cluster (secret menu) and every lamp works fine

@randomscience4k 9 ай бұрын

Hi, some of the warning lamps are driven by can and they should work fine. The turn signal and non warning lamps are driven by the k-bus circuit. Is the k-bus circuit correctly wired?

@georgimilev6786 9 ай бұрын

@@randomscience4k Thanks for the reply. I also think that it might be a problem in my k-bus circuit. I will redo it and update you.

@georgimilev6786 8 ай бұрын

@@randomscience4khi, still cant find where the issue is. My k-bus circuit seems to work,because i unlocked a bmw radio with it . I read somewhere that the problem may be clone arduino,so i will order an original one.

@randomscience4k 8 ай бұрын

@@georgimilev6786I see, thanks for the update. Let me know how it goes. BTW there are some members in the channel's discord group who have simrigs based on the E39 and E46.

@Albertt.c 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, the entire cluster works without k bus?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

No, there is k-bus circuit. You can see in video the circuit I made on the perf board.

@kris4o39 Жыл бұрын

can i have a link to the site where i can buy the things i need to do it

@gullysl Жыл бұрын

Check the original article for a parts list

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

All the parts list can be found here: neuros-projekte.de/simulator/bmw-e46-arduino-simhub/ Instead of the PN2222A you can get any NPN transistor you like. I used a BC547. Oh and make sure the cluster is a petrol variant not diesel.

@Albertt.c Жыл бұрын

Hi i have some issues, i wired the relay, first i tried for park brake. I wired to good pin in cluster. Relay does the click, but nothing happens on cluster

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

For the parking brake lights to turn off I think you need to connect it to power supply/battery negative terminal. If you were to connect this to relay terminal, connect the battery negative terminal to relay "COM" center screw terminal. Now connect the parking light pin 23 on the black connector to the "Normally Open-NO" terminal on the relay. Now when the relay is energized your light should also turn off. Try first connecting the pin 23 directly to negative without a relay to see if it turns off. If this works then it's just that you might be connecting it wrong on the relay.

@Albertt.c Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k i also tried to wire a GND to pin 23. it doesent instantly turns off, i have to replug the cluster to power

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

@@Albertt.c I'm surprised it did not work. Even the connection for the parking brake as per manual says GND. What did you mean by re-plug the cluster? www.bmwgm5.com/Images/E46_IKE/E46_FSB.gif Anyway what happens if you connect the pin 23 to +12V? From which model bmw did you pull of the cluster. If you can add a picture on imgur the label on top of the cluster it may help.

@Albertt.c Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k i mean to replug to power

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

@@Albertt.c okay, I see. Mine is a 330i E46 cluster.

@Albertt.c 2 жыл бұрын

how do i make the fuel gauge to work?

@randomscience4k 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, the actual fuel gauge if you look at the E46 cluster wiring diagram on website in the description it uses a variable resistor paired with a float system to make it work. On NeuroProjekt website link in description you can see he has modded the original stepper motor to an arduino servo motor to make it work.

@Team_Reaper. Жыл бұрын

bro can i use other dashboard cluster??

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Yes, you can. But for can bus based clusters you need to change the can bus ID frames in the Arduino code for your corresponding type of cluster.

@Team_Reaper. Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k ok bro

@geryluisduarteurena3198 Жыл бұрын

I did the same but the RPM has a delay, how do I solve it

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

as in delay do you mean like only when you pause the game the RPM needle moves? If this is the case I had mentioned that opening a dashboard and leaving it in background on simhub helps. If this isn't working then maybe something in simhub has changed since I posted. I haven't used simhub in a while.

@Agent_Flix Жыл бұрын

Does the indicator only needs power or a signal to the arduino?

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Indicator is powered via 12V supply/battery. The arduino controls the kbus and can signals. Arduino is powered directly from USB

@Agent_Flix Жыл бұрын

@@randomscience4k There ist a Video by Amstudio. He has a wire Plan which is a bit easier with only one arduino. But He hasn't wired the right and left indicator. Do I need a new Script for the indicators. Amstudios Video is called how to wire bmw Cluster...

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

@@Agent_Flix The cluster used by amstudio is a non CAN type cluster. So yes all the lights are very analog type and needs manual trigger to light up. I believe he may have left it out as trying to use the native dash lamps will need a lot of wiring. Or just directly use LED lights from arduino and pop it into the cluster lamp sockets. In the latter case no need for relays. To be honest CAN based cluster projects are way better to activate lamps via software and require very very little wiring.

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

@@Agent_Flix Yep that video is the most basic one for anyone who wants to use a cluster. Yes, you will need to add a bit of code and ncalc values to get the lamps running. I did code that part in my very last E36 cluster video. But lately people have been saying that with new simhub they are facing issues. The e46 is kind of semi CAN based.

@Albertt.c Жыл бұрын

hi, discord server link expired

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Hi, it's my first attempt at using discord. Seems like there was a 7 day expiry limit. I've now removed the limit and put a new link.

@turkishboss2002 Жыл бұрын

In file included from C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\WebSockets\src/SocketIOclient.h:11:0, from C:\Users\hp\Desktop\e46\DisplayClientV2\SHCustomProtocol.h:85, from C:\Users\hp\Desktop\e46\DisplayClientV2\DisplayClientV2.ino:833: C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\WebSockets\src/WebSockets.h:37:2: error: #error Version 2.x.x currently does not support Arduino with AVR since there is no support for std namespace of c++. #error Version 2.x.x currently does not support Arduino with AVR since there is no support for std namespace of c++. ^~~~~ C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\WebSockets\src/WebSockets.h:38:2: error: #error Use Version 1.x.x. (ATmega branch) #error Use Version 1.x.x. (ATmega branch) ^~~~~ In file included from C:\Users\hp\Desktop\e46\DisplayClientV2\SHCustomProtocol.h:87:0, from C:\Users\hp\Desktop\e46\DisplayClientV2\DisplayClientV2.ino:833: C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\WebSockets\src/WebSockets4WebServer.h:29:10: fatal error: ESP8266WebServer.h: No such file or directory #include ^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ compilation terminated. Multiple libraries were found for "mcp_can.h" Used: C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\Seeed_Arduino_CAN-old Not used: C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\canbus Not used: C:\Users\hp\Documents\Arduino\libraries\Seeed_Arduino_CAN-master exit status 1 Compilation error: exit status 1 Solution?

@randomscience4k Жыл бұрын

Which version are you using? The modded one in the description or the original one from neuroprojekte website?